Shimanami Kaido

しまなみ海道

4.1Est. 360Onomichi, Chugoku

Overview

Stunning 70km cycling route connecting Honshu to Shikoku across six islands via spectacular bridges over the Seto.

The Shimanami Kaido runs 70 kilometers from Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture to Imabari in Ehime, crossing six islands in the Seto Inland Sea via a series of suspension bridges, each with dedicated cycling and walking lanes. The route passes through citrus orchards, along beaches, past ancient temples and local fishing ports. The Tatara Bridge, at 1,480 meters, is one of the world's longest cable-stayed bridges. Bicycle rental stations with drop-off options make one-way rides straightforward. Experienced cyclists cover the whole route in 4 to 5 hours. Most visitors take a full day to stop, eat, and look around properly.

Local tips

A 70km route crossing 6 islands between Onomichi (Hiroshima) and Imabari (Ehime) via a series of bridges spanning the Seto Inland Sea. Dedicated cycling lanes run the full length at road level, one of the few such configurations in Japan. The route can be cycled in one day by road bike (6 to 7 hours) or over two days at leisure; rental cycles are available at both termini and at islands along the route. The Kurushima Kaikyo section near Imabari passes the largest surviving cluster of pirate fortress ruins in Japan, associated with the Murakami Kaizoku sea lords.

Practical info

Japanese name: しまなみ海道
Nearest station: Onomichi Station (30 min bus)
Payment: Cards accepted
Reservations: No reservation needed for cycling. Rental bikes available at terminals on both ends (Onomichi and Imabari) and at island stops. Reserve bikes online 2-3 days ahead for peak season (spring/autumn weekends). Walk-in rental usually possible on weekdays.

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